21 Unforgettable 40th Birthday Party Ideas For Her

Hey there, today let’s chat about which are the most unforgettable 40^th birthday party ideas for her.

If you are anything like me, you like to go all out for parties and this 40^th birthday party is no exception.  Let me tell you, these unforgettable 40^th birthday party ideas are going to knock your birthday girl and her guests’ socks off.

I am right at the age where 40^th birthday parties are happening left and right including a party for my older sister last weekend, so I know a thing or 2 about unforgettable 40^th birthday party ideas for her.

Even though we will mostly go over unforgettable 40th birthday party ideas for her, we will also chat about 40^th birthday party decorations, 40^th birthday party games, 40^th birthday party supplies, and so much more.

After you check out all this info, I know you will be able to host the most epic 40^th birthday party and I can’t wait to hear all about it.

So go put your party pants on and let’s get into all the unforgettable 40^th birthday party ideas for her.

Photo Booth

The one thing I make sure to have at every party I host, and I have hosted so many parties, is a photo booth area.

Even the most camera-shy guests will want to have their picture taken.

You can keep it simple with this kind of background and these photo booth props.

1. Party at Home

Welcome to my favorite kind of party – a house party.  This could be inside, in the backyard, in your garage, or even in a shed.  I just love it!

It keeps things casual and comfortable, which I find lets guests have the best time possible.

I love setting out yard games for guests such as bean bags, lasso golf, and laser tag. 

Yes, laser tag!  Everyone will get a good laugh at watching a bunch of adults running around like teenagers!

2. Outdoor Movie Night

A few times over the past few summers, we have had a neighborhood block party with an outdoor movie night.  Trust me, the adults get into it just as much as the kids do.

I know she is going to have a blast with this!

We use this movie projector and screen.

Set up a salty and sweet snack bar but my gosh, don’t charge what the movie theaters do😉!

M&M's

Candy Bars

Chips

Popcorn

3. Go to a Restaurant

My husband’s sister had a surprise 40^th birthday party at a restaurant, they rented out a “party room”. 

This worked out well since they didn’t have space to have that many people at their house.  It also kept costs down since they only provided dessert.

I am not opposed to this idea, but please let guests know ahead of time whether you are going to provide food or they will have to buy it on their own.

4. Birthday Weekend

I love little weekend getaways.  It is like a mini refresh!  And it would make a great 40^th birthday party idea for her.

You can either do a couple’s weekend or plan a girls’ weekend.  I have done both and had the best time with each.

5. Go Bowling

Having a birthday party at a bowling alley isn’t just for kids, book a party for her here! 

We love going bowling, just for fun, and it is a great way to hang out with friends and family.

Most bowling alleys have a party area and serve food (they probably have some kind of package for this to save you money)!

6. Casino

I am not the biggest gambler (like hardly at all) but it is fun to go with friends to a casino now and then.

If you have a small group to celebrate her 40^th birthday with, this is an amazing option.  Hopefully, turning 40 will bring her some amazing luck!

You can grab supper, play some games, and probably stay the night at the casino's hotel.

7. Spa Day

Round up her favorite girls (and the birthday girl of course) and head out to get your pampering on.

8. Go to a Concert

There are some pretty amazing concerts to see and if your birthday girl has a favorite, try to score some tickets! 

You could even split the cost of her ticket with everyone that is going as a birthday present😊.

9. Broadway

One of my friends loves the theater, she is even a season ticket holder, and this would be right up her alley for a 40^th birthday party idea.

Make a day out of it by grabbing something to eat either before or after.

10. Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is so much fun.  Have all the guests meet, split up into teams, give them a list of items they need to find and any rules, and send them off.

11. Golfing

Does your birthday girl like to golf?  Get a group of 4 together (or more depending on the guest list) and get out there.

12. Beach Day

Hit the beach for some fun in the sun, or under an umbrella, and catch up on some vitamin D and girlfriend time.

I love hanging out on the beach.  It is a great way to relax the day away, and being there with my friends makes it even better.

After you are done at the beach, go out to eat.  You know you all could use some amazing food and drinks.

13. Murder Mystery Party

I know a murder mystery party isn’t for everyone but you would be surprised at how much everyone gets into it.

Ask all the guests to dress for the occasion!

We have done this kind of party for a bachelorette party, at Christmas, and for a housewarming party and everyone participated.

14. 80s Theme

My 2^nd oldest sister just turned 40 and we had a party for her last weekend.  We did an 80s theme along with games, which I will talk about in just a bit.

We had quite the crowd and played Catch Phrase, Pictionary, and card games.

It was held at my sister’s house and these are some of the decorations we got for it.  Aren’t they a hoot?

80's Theme Swirls

Party Sunglasses

80's Theme Balloons

15. Luau

Easily create a luau-themed party with these Hawaiian leis.  Everyone loves wearing them, at least in my experience!

You can also get these fun umbrella straws and this photo banner will have all the guests wanting to take pictures.

16. Karaoke

Some girls, and you know who they are, don’t need any reason to belt out singing Karaoke and I love them for it.

And even though I find the beat right away, I usually take a little bit of warming up to jump up to the mic.

My sister has this karaoke machine and she brings it to our family Halloween party every year, and man does it get a workout!

If you don’t want to invest in a machine, do a little research to find a karaoke place near you.

17. Games

As I said earlier, we did a game night for my sister’s 40^th birthday party and had a blast at it.

Pictionary and Catch Phrase are our games for a crowd since you can have an endless amount of people playing.

What are your favorite games for a crowd?  Let me know in the comments below.

18. Mexican Fiesta

Last summer, my oldest sister turned 40 and she loves a good margarita so having a Mexican fiesta theme for her was a no-brainer.

We set up a taco bar, had a pinata for the kids, sombrero headbands, and an actual sombrero for her.

She also makes the best margaritas that I have ever had!  I am told that it is only possible from the recipe she put together and by using this margarita machine.

My parents loved the drinks so much that they ended up getting a margarita machine too😊.

19. Boat Cruise

If the weather is nice, book a boat cruise.  Your birthday girl will be able to relax and maybe have a few cocktails.

There are a few different options around us – a pontoon cruise or a riverboat cruise.  

On the pontoon, you can bring food and drinks and it is for a smaller guest list.  The riverboat cruise, around here anyway, has a minimum guest list starting at 50 guests.

20. Wine Tour

Even though I am not the biggest wine drinker, I love going to wineries with my girls to celebrate anything and everything.

Wineries always have such beautiful settings.

It would make for a perfect 40^th birthday party!

21. Tea Party/Outdoor Picnic

Are you feeling fancy?  Try a tea party/outdoor picnic.

Now, friend, I don't have any experience putting this kind of party together but it sure sounds fun!  It gives everyone a chance to get gussied up, and we could all use that every once in a while.